Step back in time and celebrate the spirit of the 1940s at our special VE Day Garden Party in Lower Grosvenor Gardens!
This free event on 8 May from 12pm to 7pm brings the community together in true wartime fashion, with live vintage music, high-energy dancing, and hands-on ‘Make Do and Mend’ workshops.
Enjoy the sounds of the era with classic wartime tunes, join in (or simply enjoy watching!) lively swing and jive dancing, and take part in creative workshops that highlight the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the time. Whether you’re a history buff, a dance enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone.
Treat yourself to delicious cocktails and refreshments from The Alchemist, or indulge in traditional afternoon tea delights from The Orchard Room at Conrad London St. James, both available to purchase at Grosvenor Gardens, to be enjoyed from the comfort of our garden deckchairs.
Bring your friends and family, soak up the nostalgic atmosphere, and honour the resilience and camaraderie of Victory in Europe Day in one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tap here to see what else is happening for VE Day across London Heritage Quarter. See information on road closures here and security here.
Workshops
Learn the Art of Darning – A Make Do and Mend Workshop
8 May, 12pm to 1pm
Lower Grosvenor Gardens
Join our lunchtime Make Do and Mend Workshop as part of the VE Day Garden Party. Learn to repair and revive your worn or damaged clothing. Book Now.
Upcycle Fabric into Keyrings & Badges
8 May, 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Lower Grosvenor Gardens
Celebrate VE Day with a fun upcycling workshop. Turn old fabric into keyrings & badges at our lunchtime session! Book Now.
What Else is Happening in London for VE Day?
Military Procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace
5 May
On Monday 5 May, there will be a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft, including the famous Red Arrows.
A Day in the 1940s at The Guards Museum
10 May, Free Entry
The Guards Museum is bringing history out from its cases and into your hands as the nation comes together to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. Visitors can immerse themselves in 1940s music, games, and entertainment, handle objects from the collection, and dig deeper into history. Located just minutes away from Buckingham Palace, on the site of the historic Wellington Barracks, heritage will be brought to the forefront of Central London. Highlights of the day will include a Second World War re-enactors camp, the chance to try on authentic uniforms of the Guards, scheduled Punch and Judy performances, and a live 1940s-style singer, Lancashire Belle. Younger visitors can play games from the 1940s, and explore the museum’s collection as they make their way through our World War Two activity stations, while the adults may opt to drop into an expert talk on the King’s Guard, the home front, or soldier’s stories. Find out more.
Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey
8 May
For VE Day on 8 May, a service of remembrance will take place at Westminster Abbey, which will be followed by an evening concert at Horse Guards Parade, inside St James’s Park.
London Transport Museum: May half-term: At London’s Service
Find out more about the role London’s transport played in keeping the city moving through the Second World War. Join London Transport Museum for family activities exploring the stories of those who worked on London Transport, the role of Underground stations as shelters during the Blitz and how London Transport contributed to the wider war effort. Tickets available from 24 May to 1 June. Book tickets here.
Road Closures
Friday 2 (morning) to Saturday 3 May (afternoon) – Road closures of the ceremonial footprint and surrounds to facilitate preparatory works for the military procession.
Sunday 4 (afternoon) to Monday 5 May – Road closures of the ceremonial footprint for the draping of The Cenotaph, military procession and flypast.
Thursday 8 May – Road closures of Parliament Square, Whitehall and surrounds for the service at Westminster Abbey, the concert at Horse Guards Parade and the removal of the flags from The Cenotaph.
Stay Safe & Secure
If something looks unusual or doesn’t feel right during any of the VE Day celebrations in London, report it to staff or security.
